I Can’t Believe I Listened to the Whole Thing

Artist: Trey Anastasio

Album: Shine

It seems to be the wrong time of the year to release an upbeat and “happy” album. After listening I would figure the beginning of the summer would be a better release time. However, I also thought that after listening, Trey wouldn’t want to release it at all.

I know that if I recorded this, or a close friend did, I would try to talk them out of releasing it to save the humiliation that will follow.

The first song, Shine, is too reminiscent of John Lennon’s “Instant Karma” and the first time hearing Lennon’s version is enough.

Later in the album on “Come as Melody” he incorporates, in relation to everything else on the album, a Zeppelin-esque riff, which obviously sounds awkward. More embarrassing than the riff is the corny chorus, “Come as Melody/Come as Energy/Come as Fantasy.” Ah man was that hard to sit through.

On “Air Said to Me,” Trey gives his philosophical insight with, “Believe what you want to believe.”

Words to live by there. He also sings, “Air said to me/turn out to be what you’d never be.” The air didn’t tell you to stop making this album? Where’s a dentist drill when you need one?

The artwork in the sleeve is also way too new-age and inspirational, especially the cover picture of him holding up his guitar. I held up the album case like that just because I was so proud of myself for being able to make it all the way through.

Maybe you want to go back with Phish, wait, nevermind please don’t, you have already exploited your fanbase enough. And stop smiling so damn much, it’s creepy.